Several anti-LGBTQ+ incidents reported in eastern Massachusetts
A series of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in eastern Massachusetts has left local communities outraged.
Provincetown incident
In Provincetown, police are investigating a potential hate crime after a man was attacked on Monday morning. The victim described the attackers as three men in their 20s or 30s who used homophobic slurs during the assault.
"Provincetown is a safe haven and safe space for the LGBT community, and we intend to keep it that way," said Provincetown Town manager Alex Morse. "I want to thank our police department, our residents. Obviously, people are a little bit on edge, but we are being vigilant. We will have additional officers out and about in the coming days."
Morse said that Provincetown police are working around the clock to find the suspects.
In a separate incident, Morse says there was a report of people yelling homophobic slurs at others from their car on Tuesday. Morse said police identified those suspects, and charges are in the process of being filed.
"This event shows why it's important to report information immediately to police," Morse said. "Our Police Department's quick response should serve as a warning to those who come here to cause harm that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in Provincetown."
A community meeting is planned next Tuesday at town hall to discuss the recent incidents.
Boston incidents
In Boston, a number of Pride flags have been torn down from homes in Jamaica Plain in recent days. Residents have expressed anger and frustration at the vandalism.
Medford incident
In Medford, controversy has erupted over a sign posted outside the New England Baptist Church that reads, "Homosexuality is an abomination." Residents said they were surprised to see the sign there.
"I know it's a church and people can celebrate anything that they want, but that's not celebrating anything, that's creating more hate," said Erin, a Medford resident and a member of the LGBT community. "It's something we definitely don't need right now."
The owner of Modern Pastry next door said that when she saw the sign, she immediately painted a rainbow on her window.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has been tracking anti-LGBT incidents across the country. From May 2024 to May 2025, more than 900 incidents were recorded. Sarah Moore, a spokesperson for GLAAD, attributed the uptick to harmful political rhetoric.
"When we allow harmful and defamatory tropes to be perpetuated through this political rhetoric. That same rhetoric is then being used as justification for these acts of violence against the community," Moore said.
People in Medford said that the sign is not representative of the town's beliefs. Many consider the area an inclusive and welcoming part of town.
